DONALDSONVILLE — A $5.8 billion Hyundai Steel Mill is reshaping life in Donaldsonville, where small businesses are expanding and new residents are moving in.

For-rent signs, coming-soon banners, and a packed lunch rush paint a clear picture of how the city has changed since Hyundai announced it would build the steel mill there.

Lewis Savoie runs the Cane Sugar Toffee Company — a coffee shop, bakery and lunch spot. He has expanded to keep up with a surge in new customers.

"The footprint in the shop quadrupled in two to three months," Savoie said. "I've had to increase my staff to eight part-time people and brought in outside services because we're growing so fast."

Realtor Shane Guillot has seen the commercial side of that growth firsthand. "Over the last 18 months, I've sold more commercial real estate than I have in the last eight years combined," Guillot said.

Guillot pointed out vacant buildings now transforming into businesses around town, as well as the future home of River Parishes Community College, which will offer students a new steel industry-focused curriculum.

"Ten years ago I didn't see myself retiring in Donaldsonville," Guillot said. "I'm not going anywhere now."

Not everyone feels the same way. Some locals are worried the growth will push them out of the homes they know and love.

"We're used to having peace and quiet," resident Twila Collins said. "Now with all the big trucks and the noise that's coming through there all day...it's just disturbing to all the residents."

Juanita Pearley, executive director of the Donaldsonville Area Chamber of Commerce, sees the growth differently. "We are growing, we are improving and we are providing," Pearley said.